Fair Go is undoubtedly a suitable choice of a brand name for an Australia-facing gambling operator like the one we cover in the review to follow. The expression “fair go” has become an inseparable part of Aussies’ vernacular and it means just that, fair, equal and reasonable opportunities for all.
In this review, we are about to reveal to readers whether or not this operator adheres to these principles but first things first. Fair Go has been in operation since 2017, offering players the full suite of RealTime Gaming titles. These are available for instant play, on mobile devices and via the casino downloadable software.
Where blackjack is concerned, the casino’s library features several options and each one has distinct features and rules. The games look slightly outdated in terms of visuals and animations but compensate with a reasonable betting range to the benefit of recreational players accustomed to risking smaller amounts. The operator is yet to add a live-dealer offering to its portfolio.
| Fair Go Casino General Info | |
|---|---|
| License | Curacao |
| Deposit Times | Instant |
| Deposit Limits | $5 – $2,500 |
| Cashout Times | Instant for Bitcoin, up to 15 days for bank transfers |
| Cashout Limits | $100 – $2,500 |
| Total Games | 195 for instant play (over 300 games via the software client) |
| Blackjack Games | 8 RNG games |
| Live Blackjack | N/A |
Software
Unlike the vast majority of new online casinos, Fair Go utilizes software from only one supplier, the above-mentioned RealTime Gaming. This is a common trait of most gambling sites that operate in markets like Australia and the USA. The casino gives players several ways to load its catalog, the first one being the instant-play platform which provides you with immediate in-browser access to around 200 games.
Those of you who insist on greater diversity can download and install Fair Go’s casino client, which unfortunately is compatible only with laptops and desktop computers operating on the Microsoft Windows OS. Mobile play is also supported. You can load Fair Go’s catalog in the browser of any iOS or Android smartphone and tablet. A native app compatible with Android devices is available as well. Players can download it at no cost from the casino’s website.
Blackjack Variations
Fair Go offers a slightly limited choice of blackjack variations running on RNG and the fact there is currently no live-dealer section anywhere in sight does nothing to improve the situation. Fans of the game of 21 have a choice from 8 variants of their favorite game, all supplied by RealTime Gaming.
These games were released some time ago, which explains the dated graphics and animations. This does not prevent them from being extremely playable, though. The gaming controls are easy to get a grasp off even by blackjack fans who play online for the very first time.
The buttons at the bottom allow you to change your chips’ denomination, giving you a choice from chip values of $1, $5, $25, and $100. Under those, you have buttons that enable you to execute all possible playing decisions in the game like hitting, standing, splitting, doubling, and buying insurance.
The sliding menu to the left shows you all key rules of your blackjack variation of interest. Some of the games like Blackjack + Perfect Pairs support side bets that can earn players additional payouts. Other than that, all 8 blackjack variants at Fair Go have the same table limits.
Betting starts at $1 while the maximum you can put on the line is $250. Most variants return at a rate of 3 to 2 for blackjacks. The only exceptions are Pontoon where you get a payout of 2 to 1 for your naturals and Super 21 where you get even money. All variations require the dealer to hit soft totals of 17 which, needless to say, increases the house advantage.
| Blackjack Variations Available at Fair Go Casino | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variation | Number of Decks | Soft 17 | Double | Number of Splits | Double after Split | Resplit Aces | RTP |
| Super 21 | 6 decks | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | N/A | 98.94% |
| Blackjack | 6 decks | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | N/A | 99.46% |
| Blackjack + Perfect Pairs | 6 decks | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | N/A | 99.46% |
| European Blackjack | Unknown | Hit | 9, 10 and 11 | 2 | Yes | N/A | 99.43% |
| Face Up 21 | 6 decks | Hit | 9, 10 and 11 | 2 | Yes | N/A | 99.25% |
| Match Play 21 | 6 decks | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | Yes | 99.27% |
| Pontoon | 8 or 2 decks depending on the casino | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | Yes | 99.62% ( 99.35% for 2 decks) |
| Suit ‘Em Up Blackjack | 6 decks | Hit | Any | 2 | Yes | N/A | 99.30% |
Banking
As of the present moment, Fair Go provides players with a somewhat limited range of deposit and withdrawal options. Nevertheless, this gambling operation works with some of the most widespread payment methods including credit/debit cards, vouchers, and bank transfers.
Deposits at Fair Go are handled by Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Paysafecard, ecoPayz, and Neosurf vouchers, but if you have a Bitcoin wallet, you can also use it to fund your casino account. Depositing by dialing the toll-free number 180 095 3261 is an option as well.
How much you can top up your Fair Go account with depends on the deposit method you use. The limits are $20 to $500 for card payments, $5 to $300 for Paysafecard, $10 to $250 for Neosurf, $25 to $2,500 for Bitcoin, and $10 to $2,000 for ecoPayz. Deposits are immediate no matter which of the above-listed method players choose.
Unfortunately, the list of withdrawal methods is even shorter, with players having a choice from bank transfers and Bitcoin. MoneyGram is also an option but we would not recommend it due to the high minimum withdrawal limits and the outrageous fees it comes with. The minimum players can withdraw from their Fair Go balance with MoneyGram is, brace yourselves, $130 but there is an added processing fee of $110 for the transaction.
Bank transfers are charged with a fee of $50 so if you are looking for a more cost-effective alternative, your only option for withdrawing your money from your Fair Go account is the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
Both methods allow for withdrawals between $100 and $2,500 per transaction. Bitcoin withdrawals are instant after approval on Fair Go’s side while bank transfers normally require between 2 and 3 business days to process and up to 15 days to hit your bank account. The maximum players can withdraw per week is $7,500. Note that progressive jackpot wins are not exempt from this clause of the casino’s terms and conditions.
Payments are conducted in AUD which is to be expected from an Aussie-facing gambling site. On a side note, prospective customers should take heed of the fact Fair Go is in the habit of seizing the funds of players whose accounts have remained dormant for six months or more. We do not approve of this practice and consider it predatory.
| Banking Options at Fair Go Casino | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Deposit Limits | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Limits | Withdrawal Time |
| Visa | $20 – $500 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Mastercard | $20 – $500 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| American Express | $20 – $500 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Neosurf | $10 – $250 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Paysafecard | $5 – $300 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| ecoPayz | $10 – $2,000 | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Bitcoin | $25 – $2,500 | Instant | $100 – $2,500 | Instant after approval |
| MoneyGram | N/A | N/A | $130 – $550 | Up to 3 days |
| Bank Transfer | N/A | N/A | $100 – $2,500 | Up to 15 days |
Bonuses for Table Games
The gambling operator offers a welcome package of 100% bonuses up to $200 each on new players’ first five deposits. This makes for a total of $1,000 in free play. The bonuses are redeemable with the promotional code WELCOME and minimum deposits of $20.
Bets with active bonuses in your account are restricted to $10 per round. Exceed this amount and the casino will immediately void your bonus. Wagering of 30x the bonus plus deposit amount applies.
Fans of 21 will be bitterly disappointed because they will be unable to benefit from this generosity. By default, blackjack alongside the other table games is excluded from the wagering of the bonuses at Fair Go Casino. Those who violate this condition have their bonuses forfeited. The bonus is geared toward the needs of slot players only as was confirmed by the casino’s customer support service.
If you still insist on participating in this offer, you should keep in mind it is not available to customers from all accepted countries at Fair Go. The casino has excluded players from the following places from any bonus redemption – Brazil, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and the UK.
There is also a 25% instant cashback on every deposit players lose in its entirety. Customers need to contact the support team to opt in for their cashbacks. The cashbacks have a 10x playthrough but again, can be used only on slots, scratchcards, and keno games. There are no restrictions on the maximum allowed cashouts for this offer.
Loyalty Program
Fair Go Casino offers pretty much the standard loyalty program that is based on the accumulation of comp points. You need to play the games for real money to generate some comp points, which you can then exchange for actual cash. Every $10 you invest on the tables earns you 1 comp point. Respectively, you must earn at least 100 points before you can convert them into cash. The conversion rate is 100 points for $1.
Jurisdictions and Restricted Countries
Fair Go Casino does not disclose any ownership and licensing information on its website but we established the gambling provider operates with a license granted by the Curacao authorities.
The website uses 128-bit encryption to protect players from frauds and identity thefts. The RealTime Gaming software is audited for randomness by Technical Systems Testing (TST). That being said, the casino has opted not to post the theoretical percentages of the games in its library.
Responsible gambling is embraced by this gambling operator as well. Players can keep their gaming expenses in check by exercising the option to choose their own daily or monthly deposit limits. Temporary or permanent self-exclusion is also possible. You can join Fair Go as long as you are at least 18 years old and do not live in the UK, Israel, or Moldova.
Our Verdict
We took issue with several aspects of Fair Go’s operations. Players do not have much of a choice when it comes to deposit options and currencies. The withdrawal methods are even more restricted in number, not to mention the processing fees the operator imposes exceed all reasonable limits.
The absence of ownership and licensing information is a big faux pas in our eyes. We are of the opinion players indeed deserve a “fair go” and should be informed on who they gamble with as well as which regulator they can turn to in case they have any complaints.
However, Fair Go is not entirely without its merits. The available blackjack games are quite decent software-wise. Loading times are quick and the interface is very easy to work with. Some of the games’ rules work to the detriment of players, though. The tables require the dealer to hit soft 17 which slightly increases the house edge.
There are no live tables for the time being but this omission may be fixed in the future. The trouble is many of the promotional incentives exclude blackjack from the wagering so if you are looking for an online casino to play 21 with bonus funds, Fair Go may not be the right place for you.